TRAVEL NEWS BRIEFS

Arts Wisconsin … So Good on DVD! 

If you missed this year's tourism conference, you missed the release of a great new video, "The Arts … So Good in Wisconsin." Originally launched by Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton at an Arts Wisconsin Day event earlier this year, the engaging video will be a critical piece in marketing the state's world-class arts. In June, the video will be distributed to delegates at the Americans for the Arts 2006 Convention in Milwaukee. The Department's Communication team is exploring additional avenues to garner publicity for the video including a round of fall TV interviews, an updated arts media kit scheduled for late summer distribution, distribution of the video to Wisconsin and Midwestern cable media outlets, and pitching the Wisconsin arts to A&E's "Breakfast with the Arts" program. The video will also be part of an arts education kit that will be distributed next month to CVB's, chambers, state legislators, and associations.

Watch the video online at portalwisconsin.org. 

UW Extension Offers Real Business Tools You Can Use 

With the state's tourism industry in mind, the UW Extension's Center for Community and Economic Development has compiled a number of resources and tools to help a variety of tourism businesses that span the spectrum from B&Bs to retail stores. The information includes traveler profiles, market analysis and research, case studies, financial planning software, inventory worksheets, industry trends and much more. Many of these tools complement the Department's programs with little duplication. Use these links to check it out for yourself:

• Tourism Business Development Toolbox 

• Tourism & Retail Development Guidebook and Workshops 

• Tourist Profiling and Prospecting Research 

Extranet Adds More Handicapped Options 

The Department recently modified the Extranet to provide more space for businesses, attractions, events and lodging facilities to disclose more specific information about handicapped accessibility. Now your listing can tell travelers whether your property or event has handicapped parking, restrooms, entrance, elevators, and other services for the deaf or blind. Please take a moment to update your property's listing in the Extranet so we can ensure that travelers will find the best information available as they plan their trip. See this month's Marketing Tips article for more information about marketing to this growing market. 

Upcoming Meetings 

• Governor's Council Meeting: The next Council Meeting has been scheduled to coincide with the Conference Sponsor Reception at the Executive Residence on Wednesday, June 7th at the Tourism Office. Time TBD. 

• Marketing Committee:  Thursday, June 1st from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Tourism Offices.

• Sports Marketing Committee: Wednesday, May 24th from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Tourism Offices.

• Meetings and Convention Committee: Friday, May 12th from 12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. Tourism Offices.

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